“I’ll be back.” Those chilling words preceded one of New York City’s worst tragedies on Southern Boulevard. Southern Boulevard stretches from Bruckner Boulevard to Bronx Park East. Today we will delve into the history of Southern Boulevard.
From tenements to transformation Southern Boulevard holds many stories. The area around Southern Boulevard transformed from estates to apartment houses in the late 1800s. The arrival of the subway in 1905 spurred a construction boom. Five to six-story apartment houses sprung up along Southern Boulevard.
In its early days Crotona Park East offered opportunity and decent housing near Southern Boulevard. Many German and Irish immigrants called it home. By the early 20th century a third of the population were Jews from Russia and Eastern Europe.
But from the 1920s onward the area’s reputation declined. The depression hit the area hard. Many Jewish residents relocated. By the end of the century the neighborhood was considered working class and lower class.
The South Bronx and Southern Boulevard faced systematic disadvantages. Redlining by the FHA and private lenders made it difficult to get loans. Landlords cut down on maintenance and rented to welfare families. This aggravated the cycle of displacement and decay on Southern Boulevard.
The post-WWII era brought further devastation. Manufacturing declined and white residents moved to the suburbs. Public housing projects solidified the low-income character of the area. Real estate prices decreased crime rose and racial tensions increased.
Robert Moses’s urban policies further impacted the area. Buildings were demolished to develop public housing. This created more overcrowding segregation and dilapidation. White flight ensued.
In 1977 President Jimmy Carter visited Charlotte Street near Southern Boulevard. His visit brought national attention to the devastation. The South Bronx needed to be saved.
The 1980s brought urban renewal to Southern Boulevard. Rehabilitated and new residential structures appeared. Over $1 billion was spent rebuilding the area.
Southern Boulevard is served by multiple subway lines. The 2 and 5 trains run above it from Simpson Street to 174th Street. The 6 and <6> trains run under it from East 143rd Street to Hunts Point Avenue. Several bus routes also serve the corridor. The Bx19 is Southern Boulevard’s main route.
From 1981 until 2011 part of Southern Boulevard was named Dr. Theodore L. Kazimiroff Boulevard. It was adjacent to the New York Botanical Garden. In 2011 the name was changed to an honorary designation.
Today Southern Boulevard continues to evolve. It stands as a testament to resilience and change. As we continue our tour reflect on the history and stories that shape this iconic street.